WHY HAWK HILL? In the early 1920s, when former University president Albert G. Brown, S.J. decided to move the college campus from its location just north of the city at 17th and Stiles to its current site in Overbrook on Philadelphia's west side, he selected the location in part because its hilltop perch overlooking downtown Philadelphia provided a dramatic setting for the construction of the college's main building, Barbelin Hall. In fact, for many years Barbelin's signature carillon tower ranked as the highest point from sea level in the city of Philadelphia. Later, according to oral tradition, students and faculty frequently saw real hawks circling the skies above Barbelin, before swooping down on their prey. The familiar scene eventually led to the coining of the moniker "Hawk Hill."

CRIMSON AND GRAY The college colors of crimson and gray date back to the 1890s when it is related that a young seminarian leading a pep rally saw the colors on a book he was holding. Thinking they looked attractive together, he announced that these would be the school colors.

"THE HAWK WILL NEVER DIE!" The Hawk is one of the most famous mascots in the country, best known for staying in constant motion by flapping its "wings" from tip-off to the final buzzer of every game, as well as for "flying" in figure 8s around the court during timeouts. The constant flapping, coupled with the scrappy play of the University's athletic teams, helped to spawn the school's familiar slogan "The Hawk Will Never Die!"

FIGHT SONGS:"Oh When the Hawks Go Flying In!!"Sung to the tune of "When the Saints, Go Marching In"Oh when the Hawks, go flying in, Oh when the Hawks go flying in, I want to be in that number, When the Hawks go flying in. (Repeat above) Let's Go St. Joe! Lets Go St. Joe! Let's Go St. Joe!

"Mine Eyes"Sung to the tune of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Hawk, He is flying through the doorway 'cause he never, ever walks, He is flying through the rafters like a loyal, loyal Hawk, The Hawk will never die. Glory, glory what a helluva way to fly, Glory, glory what a helluva way to fly, Glory, glory what a helluva way to fly, The Hawk will never die! We have been to Cincinnati and we've been to Buffalo, We have been to Carolina flying high and flying low, And when we get to Maryland let everybody know, The Hawk will never die. Glory, glory what a helluva way to fly, Glory, glory what a helluva way to fly, Glory, glory what a helluva way to fly, The Hawk will never die!